The federal government will provide $35 million over two years to support Alberta's efforts to reduce homelessness through Made-in-Alberta Community Encampment Response Plans in Red Deer, Lethbridge, Edmonton and Calgary.
Projects include investments in shelter safety, accessibility and capacity, as well as transitional housing and supports for Albertans experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
Funding will also be used to increase access to navigation services, provide transportation support and pet care for those exiting encampments, and support initiatives for populations with specific needs, such as youth, Indigenous peoples and families.
The province is working directly with its partners, including municipalities and service providers, to select projects that meet communities’ needs to respond to encampments. Specific projects will be announced once grant agreements are in place.
Mayor Ken Johnston said he doesn't know project details, or the amount of funding, for Red Deer, but does hope it will result in transitional housing.
"This is really a housing issue," said Johnston, adding encampments aren't the answer.
As a part of the federal Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative (UHEI), the province and federal governments signed an agreement in December to strengthen existing provincial investments. The $35 million, along with the provincial 2025-26 budget, will put $213 million into homelessness initiatives.
Johnston said Tuesday's announcement is great recognition, from a national perspective, of the challenges facing Alberta's four largest cities.
He said it also shows the provincial and federal governments working together for citizens, but as always it comes down to the cities where supports are made available.
"I really do think that it won't be very much longer until we get a lot of details. It's a great story for the community," Johnston said.
Taylor Soroka, vice-president and co-founder, Jasper Place Wellness Centre in Edmonton, said with the funding it will launch a much-needed transitional program for those leaving medical detox with no safe, sober place to stay while waiting for residential treatment.
"This investment enables us to fill a crucial gap in the care system – helping more people successfully reach treatment, stay connected to care and take meaningful steps toward long-term recovery," said Soroka, in a statement.
Seniors, Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon said homelessness is a shared responsibility between all levels of government and this agreement with the federal government is a significant step in helping to get Alberta’s most vulnerable off the streets and into more stable situations where they can focus on building their futures.
“Encampments are not a safe place for vulnerable people to live, and we will not abandon our fellow Albertans to freeze in tents where they are being victimized and losing their lives," Nixon said.
